ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The World Health Organization has declared the recent Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a global health emergency.
According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, the current spread of the Ebola virus remains limited to Congo and Uganda.
The WHO has confirmed that no cases of the virus have been reported outside Africa.
The spokesperson stated that the risk to Pakistan is extremely low due to limited travel links with the affected African nations.
No cases of Ebola have ever been reported in Pakistan or its neighboring countries.
However, the WHO has advised increased precautionary surveillance.
In light of the outbreak, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has decided to implement preventive measures across the country.
He said effective steps are being ensured to protect the public from potential outbreaks.
The Ministry of Health and the National Institute of Health are closely monitoring the situation.
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On the minister’s directives, surveillance at airports nationwide has been further strengthened to prevent the spread of Ebola.
The Ministry of Health spokesperson added that implementation of international health regulations is being ensured, while all provinces and border health services have been placed on alert.
The ministry and its subordinate institutions remain on high alert to deal with any emergency situation, and the NIH Pakistan has the capacity to diagnose Ebola.
The spokesperson further said that the National Institute of Health has been directed to ensure all necessary arrangements.
Citizens traveling to affected African countries are advised to review relevant travel and health guidelines before departure.
Pakistani health authorities, in collaboration with the WHO, continue to closely monitor the evolving situation.